His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

Chapter

29

The sound of police sirens cut through the air. I could hear them getting closer, their lights flashing in the distance. I didn't move from my spot by the window as the

police arrived, guns drawn. They approached Nathan cautiously, assessing

the scene. The rogues, battered and

bruised, were being handcuffed and

dragged away one by one.

Nathan reached the front steps and

knocked, his hand still trembling from the

fight.

I hesitated for a moment before opening the door. Nathan stood there, bloodied, bruised, and holding the bouquet like it was some sort of peace offering. His eyes flickered to the toys scattered across the floor inside the house. They belonged to

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His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

37

Oliver. The sight of them seemed to stir something in Nathan, a brief flash of guilt crossing his face.

"-" He started, then stopped. He cleared his throat, trying again. "Doris, I'm sorry. I've been a fool. I know I messed up, and I want to make things right."

I didn't say anything, just stood there, staring at him blankly. My silence seemed to make him more desperate.

"I brought these for you," he said, lifting the roses. "I know how much you love

them."

I raised an eyebrow, the coldness in my voice unmistakable. "I'm allergic to roses.

Nathan blinked, taken aback. "What?"

"Sienna told you I loved roses, didn't she?"

I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

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His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

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29

Nathan stammered, his confusion

growing. "Yeah, she-she said you loved them. I thought-"

a bitter laugh, shaking

"Of course she did.

had brought me flowers

and the roses

my skin itching

stop scratching. Nathan hadn't believed me back then, accusing me

cosmetic

reaction. He had sided

always.

as he

"I-I didn't

you didn't." My

whatever Sienna told you. You've never

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Pleas, But Our Son's

37

29

really,"

his knuckles white. "I'm sorry,

I

interrupted, my

of my house, Nathan, Or

call the police again."

eyes widened, panic

"Doris, please"

"I said leave,"

I

for a moment

change my mind. But

move, didn't soften, he

away, the bouquet

hand. I watched as

down the steps,

he was gone, I closed

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Kavees, His Pleas, By Ow

99

leaned against it,

on me. The house was a mess, toys

broken, the remnants of

lingering in the

long time, I felt nothing. No anger, no sadness, no

Just indifference.

staring at Nathan as he lingered in my yard, looking lost, broken, and bleeding. The sight of him disgusted me more than anything. He was clutching that

everything that had

all things. He still didn't get

never had.

I

in my chest as I looked down at the flowers. Red

told him I liked them.